Always going above and beyond the call of duty is a difficult task, but some people are born with the insatiable desire to achieve perfection in all that they do. If you are one of those people, you are probably familiar with the term "perfectionist." Being a perfectionist isn't easy, and for people who aren't one of these elite human beings, the lifestyle can be difficult to comprehend. Below are just a few of the truths about being an individual who strives for the best at all times.
1. You are always busy
Because you crave perfection in every aspect of your life, you tend to over commit yourself. Because of this, you probably occasionally run around like a crazy person trying to get 20 different things accomplished at once. It may have cost you your sanity but you probably got it all done. So really you won, because priorities.
2. You can't do anything in five minutes
No matter how small the job, perfection takes time. Any project you begin is a project that will be done well. Even if it is something that most people think would take only a few minutes, you focus on every small detail involved in order to create a masterpiece.
3. Imperfection bothers you, a lot
Being a perfectionist isn’t something you can turn off. If there are mistakes in anything, you will probably notice and you will probably fight the urge to fix them. Whether it is a crooked picture on the wall or someone else’s project, the desire to take over and fix even the smallest of errors is a struggle.
4. Group projects aren't your thing
When you hold yourself to such a high standard, it can be hard to delegate to others. The work is hard, but the anxiety of watching someone else do something that isn’t up to par sometimes just isn’t worth it. When the goal is perfection, sometimes you genuinely would rather take on the job alone, which can be hard to explain when you have people offering to help. You'll probably end up allowing them to do small jobs, but even then you'll fight the urge to go behind them and double check their work.
5. You aren't afraid to start over
Some people say the third time is the charm. That may be true, but in your case it could even be the fifth or sixth attempt before you're satisfied. Some people would have been satisfied with your first finished product, but your sharp eye will probably find something wrong with it. Although it's frustrating, you'll start over because nothing is more satisfying than a job done right.
6. People constantly ask you how you do it
Because your hard work is so awesome, it gets some recognition. People constantly ask you how you pulled something so incredible off, or how on Earth you found the time. The answer is that you probably didn't have any time and you are definitely sleep deprived, but sometimes those things are better left unsaid. So you smile, make up some socially acceptable answer, and accept a much deserved compliment. Let them think you're a superhero, it isn't hurting your ego any.
Always striving for perfection is difficult and tiring, but it is who you are. Sometimes you probably wish there was a switch to turn off your need to be the best and do the best. Let's be honest; even if there was such a magical thing, you probably wouldn't use it because the gratification you feel after achieving your goal is too great to let go of. Plus, it just doesn't seem plausible that you would ever be okay with anything mediocre. So here's to all the perfectionists out there. Keep working hard and achieving greatness!
